Short-fingered vulgarian Donald Trump (as the late, lamented Spy magazine dubbed him back in the late, lamented ’90s) is once again considering a run for the highest office in the land.

(As opposed, presumably, to developing the highest office building in the land.)

From the Hollywood Reporter:

Donald Trump Still Considering Presidential Run

“America is missing quality leadership; I am well acquainted with winning,” the “Apprentice” star says.

The Apprentice star Donald Trump hasn’t ruled out the idea of running for president.

The real estate mogul, who has reportedly been telling friends and advisers he is considering a presidential bid for 2012, made a surprise appearance at the Conservative Action Political Conference in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, alongside other potential candidates.

As Burt Lancaster’s immortal J.J. Hunsecker said about a philandering U.S. senator in Sweet Smell of Success, “President? My big toe would make a better president.”

Regardless, Trump told CNN’s Piers Morgan this week (via ABC’s The Note):

“I hate what’s happened to this country . . . We’re a laughingstock throughout the world.” Trump added that he would decide by June whether to run for president.

And that would help with the laughingstock thing exactly how?

(Brad Barket/Getty Images)